South Beach has officially added a new gem to its culinary crown. Big Hug Hospitality, the Toronto-based team behind some of Canada’s most celebrated dining establishments, has opened MIMI Chinese, marking their first international venture. Renowned for its thoughtful exploration of regional Chinese cuisine, MIMI Chinese has already made waves in Toronto’s dining scene, earning Michelin recognition and a devoted following. Now, the Miami Beach location brings the same innovative and hospitality-driven experience to one of the country’s most vibrant culinary cities.
MIMI Chinese stands out for its modern approach to traditional regional Chinese cuisine. With a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Guangdong, Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Hunan, the restaurant highlights the diversity and depth of one of the world’s oldest cuisines. Signature dishes like the Hunan Chili Sea Bass, Hidden Crispy Chicken, and Four Foot Belt Noodles showcase both traditional techniques and contemporary flair. Larger sharing plates encourage communal dining, a hallmark of Chinese culinary culture.
Culinary Director David Schwartz, a 2023 Michelin Guide Toronto Young Chef Award recipient, emphasizes MIMI Chinese’s dedication to honoring the roots of regional Chinese cuisine while adding a creative twist. “We’re thrilled to introduce MIMI Chinese to Miami Beach, a city that shares our passion for food, culture, and celebration,” Schwartz said. “Our approach is rooted in quality and tradition—a celebration of heritage with a fresh perspective.”
MIMI Chinese’s Miami Beach location offers more than just a meal; it delivers an immersive dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is designed to create an intimate and theatrical atmosphere. Dim lighting, luxurious red accents, and glossy banquettes set the stage for an evening that engages all the senses. Servers, dressed in bowties, deliver attentive service, while the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns toasting in woks fills the air. Designed without windows, the space encourages guests to escape into a world of flavor, sight, and sound.
Executive Chef Braden Chong highlights the restaurant’s commitment to top-quality ingredients and innovative presentation. “The quality of our food and ingredients is central to everything we do,” Chong said. “We’re excited to bring the artistry and vibrant energy of MIMI Chinese to Miami Beach, blending new and nostalgic flavors that honor tradition and innovation.”
The dining experience is elevated by a thoughtfully curated beverage program. Guests can enjoy an extensive selection of wines, sakes, baijiu, and signature cocktails designed to pair seamlessly with the bold and diverse flavors of the menu. Highlights include barrel-aged sakes and magnum-sized bottles perfect for sharing, ensuring the communal spirit extends to the drink menu.
Big Hug Hospitality, co-founded by David Schwartz and Brandon Marek, is the creative force behind MIMI Chinese. Known for cultivating a “Culture of Kindness,” Big Hug places employee well-being and community at the heart of their operations. With successful concepts like MIMI Chinese, Sunnys Chinese, and Linny’s in Toronto, the group has established itself as a leader in hospitality. The Miami Beach expansion marks an exciting new chapter for the team.
Instrumental in bringing MIMI Chinese to Miami is Harlo Entertainment, led by Managing Partner Brandon Marek. Harlo Entertainment specializes in creating standout hospitality experiences across North America, and their collaboration with Big Hug Hospitality promises to make MIMI Chinese a must-visit destination in South Beach.
MIMI Chinese is located at 1575 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL. With its thoughtfully designed space and exceptional menu, the restaurant is poised to become a standout addition to the local dining scene. Whether you’re a foodie seeking bold flavors or someone looking to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience, MIMI Chinese offers something truly special for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience this new culinary masterpiece in the heart of South Beach.
Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro Lists Pinecrest Mansion
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro seems to be making headlines both on and off the court this offseason. With the recent listing of his luxurious 8-bedroom, 9-bathroom Pinecrestmansion for $12.2 million, trade rumors surrounding the young star have reached a fever pitch.
The luxurious mansion, spanning 9,505 square feet, showcases its grandeur and elegance to potential buyers. Initially listed for $13 million in late April, shortly after the Miami Heat’s disappointing loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round, the price was later reduced to $12.2 million, possibly reflecting strategic considerations or market dynamics.
This lavish estate boasts an array of amenities, including an outdoor kitchen and a “resort-style” pool, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and entertainment. Additionally, the home features an elevator, wine cellar, state-of-the-art kitchen, media room, summer kitchen, and cabana, embodying luxury and sophistication at every turn. Tyler Herro acquired this modern mansion in December 2022 for $10.5 million, setting a record for the highest sale in Pinecrest at the time of purchase.
Interestingly, Herro’s decision to list his mansion comes on the heels of his four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Miami Heat, signed just two months prior. With an additional $10 million in incentives, Herro’s lucrative deal underscores his value and potential in the NBA, further accentuating the significance of his mansion listing in the context of ongoing trade discussions and personal considerations.
Rosewood Hotel and Residences Reveals $150 Million Penthouse in South Beach
Rosewood Residences, a 17-story luxury condo tower in the heart of Miami’s South Beach, designed by renowned architect Peter Marino. This project includes a record-setting penthouse, poised to be Miami Beach’s most valuable property, with a valuation exceeding $150 million. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this asset represents a rare opportunity in one of the world’s most desirable real estate markets.
The development, a fusion of high-end hotel, restaurant, and residential spaces, spans three acres on 18th Street and Collins Avenue, incorporating the historic Raleigh Hotel. Managed by the prestigious Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, this project is designed to redefine luxury living, offering unparalleled amenities and exclusive experiences.
At $10 million for a three-bedroom residence, with larger and more exclusive units available, the condominium promises substantial returns. The project’s pricing strategy aligns with luxury real estate trends in major cities like New York. The unique location and high-end offerings of this development present a compelling value proposition for discerning investors.
In 2019, developer Michael Shvo, in partnership with Deutsche Finance Group, acquired and envisioned a transformative project for the iconic Raleigh Hotel and adjacent properties. Shvo’s vision, endorsed by Miami Beach’s mayor, combines historic preservation with modern luxury, creating a unique investment proposition.
Peter Marino’s design emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and unobstructed ocean views, offering a refreshing contrast to typical Miami architecture. The building’s design is a testament to innovation, with units featuring high ceilings and premium materials, curated for an elite clientele.
Managed by Rosewood, the Residences promise a lifestyle of unrivaled luxury. Residents will enjoy hotel-style services, including the US outpost of the famed Milanese restaurant Langosteria. This holistic approach to luxury living makes the Rosewood Residences a standout investment in Miami’s property market.
Michael Shvo’s commitment to creating an unmatched product in Florida’s luxury real estate landscape is evident.
Norman Foster’s Biophlic South Beach Office Building Project Approved by the Planning Board of Miami Beach
The proposed Alton Road office project in South Beach by developer Shvo was approved by the Planning Board of Miami Beach.
The project is being designed by Pritzker Prize winner Lord Norman Foster and the crew at Foster + Partners using a biophilic approach that was influenced by Florida’s climate and vegetation. Foster and Kobi Karp Architects are listed as the architects involved in the design.
‘The Alton’ and will rise 6 stories with 170,000 rentable square feet, 17,000 square feet of ground floor retail, and 4 luxury residential units.
The hearing before the Design Review Board will take place in October. The Alton’s construction is anticipated to start in early 2024, assuming it is permitted.
Shvo is working with Foster and architect Peter Marino on three Class-A office buildings in Miami Beach, including The Alton, that have a combined square footage of about 400,000. Together with Deutsche Finance America, the developer is committing nearly $2 billion to Miami Beach.
South Beach Wine and Food Festival is Back and Will be Bigger Than Ever
Thousands of people will visit Miami Beach from February 23 to 26 to eat, drink, and celebrate the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s 22nd anniversary. All proceeds from the event will go to the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. More than $34 million has already been raised, ensuring the hospitality sector’s future through educating the next generation.
The festival is well-known for its signature activities like the Grand Tasting Village, the Burger Bash hosted this year by Emeril Lagasse, and a gala tribute dinner with this year’s honorees, chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Pernod Ricard’s Alexandre Ricard, with Bobby Flay serving as master of ceremonies. However, every year also brings new activities and a few surprises.
According to Lee Brian Schrager, the secret to success is that blend of the old and new. According to the founder of SOBEWFF, he’s constantly searching for fresh brands and activations.
A Sunday afternoon tea dance and drag show with a special appearance by disco queen Thelma Houston are new attractions this year. Schrager is also looking forward to Sunday afternoon’s Overtown EatUp, which will be hosted by Marcus Samuelsson. The celebration, which draws inspiration from Harlem EatUp, will celebrate Overtown’s vibrant culture. The participating eateries and musical acts will be chosen by Samuelsson. Also, Overtown EatUp revenue will be used to finance scholarships for Overtown students enrolling in FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
The festival will, according to the founder of SOBEWFF, this year more than ever showcase diversity in the hospitality sector with activities like a cookout with JJ Johnson and Dwyane Wade and a Sunday brunch with James Beard Award winner Mashama Bailey. For one delectable day, Bailey will bring the Grey, a restaurant she owns in Savannah, to Miami Beach.
The SOBEWFF, according to Schrager, is primarily intended for people to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. And it appears that the formula works.
The 2023 South Beach Wine and Food Festival will take place from Thursday, February 23, to Sunday, February 26. The price of tickets are $35 with pre-sale tickets available for Capital One Cardholders. For more information on the schedule of events, click here.
Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat has Purchased a $10.5 Million Mansion in Pinecrest
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro just purchased a $10.5 million mansion in Pinecrest of Miami breaking a record for the highest home sold in the community.
The sale broke the Pinecrest record of $10.3 million set earlier this month by the sale of 6155 Southwest 106th Street.
Herro purchased the eight bedroom, eight and a half bathroom mansion located at Southwest 124th Street using a trust managed by Ronald Brown II, which was disclosed to belong to Herro.
Herro’s trust financed $7.4 million of the property from HSBC Bank.
The 9,500-square-foot home was built last year on a nearly 1-acre lot and was originally bought at $5.3 million for the property. According to the listing, the home has a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, summer kitchen, cabana, pool, and media room. The original list price was at $11.9 million.
Herro recently agreed to terms with the Heat on a four-year, $120 million contract. After one year of college basketball at the University of Kentucky, the shooting guard was drafted by the franchise in 2019. Last season, he was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, an award given to the league’s best player who came off the bench as a substitute.
Pinecrest and the surrounding neighborhoods have been home to a number of Miami Heat players. A year after signing a four-year, $184 million contract extension with the Heat, all-star small forward Jimmy Butler paid $7.4 million for a home near South Miami in January. Butler sold his Pinecrest home for $7.1 million last year.
Former Miami Real Housewife Cristy Rice, the ex-wife of former Miami Heat player Glen Rice, paid $5.1 million for the home she shared with her ex-husband near Coral Gables and South Miami.
Further east on the ocean, Miami Heat President Pat Riley, dubbed “the Godfather” in the NBA, and his wife, Chris, sold their condo at the Four Seasons Residences at the Surf Club in Surfside for $22.8 million, or a South Florida record $5,775 per square foot.
Another Fisher Island Condo Sold at $21 Million
After spending 5.5 years on significant renovations and imported furniture, Igor Olegovich Nesterenko, a businessman in the meatpacking industry from Moscow, sold his Fisher Island property for $21 million.
The unit located at the Palazzo Del Mare unit 7153, features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a terrace, a playroom, and a conference room spanning over 7,025 square feet. It also has a private 2-car garage on the parking level of the building and a private cabana near the pool.
Nesterenko spent the 5.5 years refurbishing the condo because Fisher Island only allows for roughly half of a year’s time for construction due to noise restrictions.
Furthermore, much of the furniture was purchased from abroad and was rather large and proved difficult to ship overseas. The bathtub in the master bedroom was fashioned from a solid block of Greek White Thassos marble and was carried into the apartment using a crane. The majority of the furniture was also brought by crane since it was too large for the elevator.
The 7,025-square-foot Unit 7153 located at Palazzo Del Mare was sold to Fana Fisher Palazzo 7153 LLC, managed by a trust in Bellevue, Washington purchased the condo for $21 million equals $2,989 price per square foot.
The trust is under the umbrella of the Fana Group of Cos., a real estate corporation located in Bellevue led by Chairman and CEO Firoz Lalji.
The apartment was designed by Augusto Busnelli of Milan, according to Flikshteyn. The previous owner spent around $10 million on upgrades. The property was last sold in 2011 for $8.3 million.
The Palazzo Del Mare was built in 2007 and with an expansive amenity package including a 9-hole golf course, 18 tennis courts, a marina and yacht center, a gourmet market, 8 restaurants, and Spa Internazionale. A Fisher Island Day School and a mile and a half of pristine beaches.
Fisher Island, America’s wealthiest zip code, is a 216-acre barrier island located across Government Cut from Miami Beach. Fisher Island condominiums are in a class of their own when it comes to ultra-exclusive living in South Florida.
The island, which can only be reached by ferry, boat, helicopter, or seaplane, provides unrivaled protection. All visitors to the island must first be checked by security at the Fisher Island port.
Total Number of Transactions Increased for this Week’s Miami Dade Condo Sales
Over the past few weeks, we have seen a steady incline in overall condo sales including volume and number of sales. This is of no surprise with the increase of companies, execs, and people taking up residency in Miami-Dade County.
Coming in at $123 million, this week’s condo sales volume increased from $85.3 million in the week prior. The total number of sales has risen to 198 for this week, up from 128.
The average price for condo sales reached $622,000 which has actually decreased from $666,000 then the week prior.
Leading this week’s condo sales in a luxury unit at Continuum South Beach that sold for $8 million or $2,708 per square foot. This luxury property located at 100 S Pointe Dr. Unit #3507 was sold to tech entrepreneur Hari Ravichandran, who is the CEO of Jump Ventures and Aura.
Last week’s highest condo sale was lead by Lucas Lechuga (Luxe Living Realty-Miami Condo Investments) with the sale of a Setai Miami Beach condo that sold for $12.3 million.
The sale coming in second includes a luxury unit at Palazzo Della Luna on Fisher Island. The property sold for $7.5 million or $2,045 per square foot and was on the market for 324 days. Luxe Living Realty’s Dora Puig represented the seller.
Luxury Travel Magazine Names Miami Beach One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, dubbed Miami Beach as one of the best beaches in the United States. Miami Beach stands next to three other beaches in Florida including; Grayton Beach State Park, Dunedin, and Sanibel Island.
The magazine stated, “The siren song of Miami’s South Beach is undeniable…beautiful people, flashy cars, Art Deco architecture: It’s all here.” Condé Nast Traveler highlights that Miami Beach is one of the popular and liveliest areas for tourists in Miami.
The magazine also states that the most touristy areas run parallel to Ocean Drive and locals tend to hang around the South of Fifth neighborhood. “But we say those famous white sands are worth bumping elbows with a few fellows,” according to Condé Nast Traveler.
About Miami Beach
It is no debate that Miami Beach does offer some of the most beautiful properties and beaches in the world. Situated on a barrier island, the coastal city is between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.
The Bass Museum of Art and the New World Symphony are both located in Miami Beach. Other options to visit include a cultural center called the Faena Forum. This cultural center hosts an array of events including; lectures, performances, and large-scale events. Miami Beach is also home to the largest art fair along the east coast.
Miami Beach also has some of the most luxurious condo developments in Miami. Faena House is a 47-unit ultra-luxury condominium tower located at 2901 Collins Avenue. The condos at Faena House are some of the most prized pieces of real estate in South Florida.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach located at 4701 N. Merdian Avenue features 15 stand-alone villas comprised of 8 waterfront villas with private boat docks and 7 landside villas surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. Each of the villas has its own private pool and an air-conditioned two-car garage. Ritz-Carlton Residences features 125 total units.
The lifestyle of Miami Beach is like no other. With its fabulous art and cultural options, luxury condominium buildings, and its vibrant nightlife, there are so many options for every visitor as well as a potential buyer.
End of June Condo Sales Reach $259 Million
Another week of real estate sales shows a significant increase in volume and the total number of condos sold for Miami-Dade. According to the MLS, for the week of June 27th, through July 3rd, 357 condos sold for a combined $259 million. The previous week shows only 237 condos sold for a combined value of $159 million.
The average sales price for condos is $725,000. Last week’s price fell to $671,000. We are seeing a steady climb in condo price averages as well as an uptick in new construction sales.
The most expensive sale last week was non-other than a penthouse at The Mansions of Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach that sold for $27 million. This 9,103 square foot condo features four bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and 2 kitchens, also fully furnished by Fendi/Bentley. This developer-owned (The Trump Group) condo sold for $3,000 price per square foot. This sale is considered the third-highest condo sale in Miami-Dade history.
The second most expensive condo sale was at Continuum of South Beach. This unit sold for $8.6 million at a $2,459 price per square foot. This property was on the market for 108 days. This condo features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, with 3,500 square feet of living space. The property also features an Italian kitchen, marble floors throughout, and gorgeous ocean views.
One of the more notable single-family residential sales includes an Indian Creek Island Mansion purchased by a developer, Todd Michael Glaser for $24 million. This property located at 37 Indian Creek features 7,236 square feet of living space situated on 1.2 acres. Glaser plans to demolish this estate to build a larger home with 2 pools and double the square footage with hopes to list the new construction home at $50 million.
